By: Daniel Dovoeke
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| Daniel Dovoeke and Hon. Olusegun Onilude |
As everyone knows, Hon. Onilude was the immediate past Chairman of Badagry Local Government. In my view, he abandoned Badagry and instead played politics with the town and its future. As a chairman who governed for eight years, several communities and wards within Badagry did not witness any meaningful infrastructural development under his administration.
What he appeared to prioritize were markets, where many original market women were allegedly displaced through the sale of shops at prices beyond their reach and affordability.
He allegedly awarded the development of markets within the LGA to developers believed to be his associates. He was also alleged to have built a standard school outside Badagry LGA while local schools that desperately needed government intervention were left neglected.
He was nowhere to be found when it came to public healthcare. It was under his administration that a snake was reportedly found at Pota PHC, an incident that drew national media attention and placed Badagry in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
In my opinion, his administration set Badagry back and prevented the local government from competing favourably with others. The only significant project often associated with his tenure is what he described as a "legacy building" the local government administrative complex.
I find it surprising that people applaud him for constructing an administrative building when many primary schools witnessed little or no significant government intervention over the last decade, except for the generous contributions of an individual philanthropy, who consistently visited schools to donate chairs, benches, school bags, uniforms, and other educational materials.
The Current Political Situation
The interesting part of this story is the phase in which we currently find ourselves. Hon. Sesi Whingan has, in my opinion, been unjustly removed through a process many consider neither free nor fair, resulting in the emergence of Hon. Onilude someone who held executive power and controlled a substantial budget for eight years without producing what many would consider tangible results.
Meanwhile, Hon. Sesi, a relatively young legislator whose effectiveness largely depends on his ability to lobby and influence the executive arm of government, has spent barely three years in office. Though not without flaws, a second term could have strengthened his capacity to build on his previous efforts and relationships for the benefit of Badagry.
Hon. Sesi's Political Mistakes
To be fair, Hon. Sesi also made some mistakes.
We will recall that he successfully stopped Hon. Hunpe's second-term bid with broad grassroots support. However, after winning his election, he failed to sincerely reconcile with Hon. Hunpe.
He further made what I consider a political miscalculation by refusing to endorse Hon. Hunpe, who did not pose a direct threat to his own second-term ambition. While it may have been politically difficult for him to support Hon. Avoseh, supporting Hon. Hassan who did not command the same political weight and support as the two former legislators proved to be a costly error.
This decision further widened the rift between him and Hon. Hunpe.
On the other hand, Hon. Onilude capitalized on this political opportunity by giving Hon. Hunpe his full support and helping him secure victory. This was a significant political gain for Hon. Onilude, considering the influential role local government chairmen play during party primaries and electioneering activities.
The Real Twist
This is where the story becomes more interesting.
Hon. Sesi was not removed simply because he lost outright. Rather, several underlying political factors appear to have contributed to his defeat.
One of his close allies had earlier initiated allegations of corruption against the former chairman. Hon. Sesi neither publicly distanced himself from nor openly condemned those actions. Whether right or wrong, the campaign against alleged corruption resonated with many who believe that public resources must be protected and properly accounted for.
Naturally, this created political discomfort for those who felt directly affected.
His challenges were further compounded by some of his aides, who should have focused more on promoting their candidate rather than attacking critics. Critics often provide opportunities for engagement and logical debate, yet many dissenting voices were treated as enemies.
I still do not understand why some of those individuals were not replaced.
Although Badagry Today made considerable efforts to manage public perception and carry out damage control, some of his supporters continued to create avoidable controversies that undermined those efforts.
He campaigned both online and offline, but it ultimately proved insufficient. All these factors, together with several others, contributed to the coalition that eventually worked against him.
Had he lost through a process widely accepted as free and fair, the outcome might have been easier to accept. However, many people remain uncomfortable with the circumstances surrounding his removal.
Why I Oppose Hon. Onilude's Emergence
In my opinion, Hon. Onilude is not primarily interested in representing Badagry. Rather, he appears more interested in joining the ranks of Abuja's political elite.
Hon. Hunpe's support for him is not necessarily because he believes Hon. Onilude would represent Badagry better than Hon. Sesi. Instead, many observers see it as a case of political loyalty and reciprocity.
Hon. Onilude stood by Hon. Hunpe when he needed support, and it is understandable that Hon. Hunpe would return that gesture.
However, the critical question remains: on whose behalf is that gesture being returned?
The future of Badagry should not become a reward in a political exchange.
At this critical point in our history, we need active and effective representation, not political compensation. We need someone who genuinely understands our struggles. We need a strong voice in national politics. We need someone who can advance our collective aspirations and priorities.
We need a representative who listens to the people and places public interest above personal enrichment and the interests of political associates.
After eight years as chairman, what more does Hon. Onilude seek without being able to point to transformative achievements that significantly changed the fortunes of Badagry?
Our town hall was renovated and subsequently commercialized. Questions remain about who benefits from the substantial fees reportedly charged for the use of what should be a public facility.
Why should every public asset become a target for privatization?
Markets that once provided opportunities for women such as Iya Oniru, Iya Alata, and Iya Elepo to support their families and educate their children have allegedly been transferred into the hands of wealthy businessmen with the financial capacity to purchase spaces worth millions of naira.
Conclusion
For these reasons, I cannot support a process that produces Hon. Onilude as the preferred candidate.
Badagry deserves active representation, not a retirement plan for any politician seeking relevance in Abuja.
We will continue to evaluate all available alternatives, and we will ultimately support the candidate we believe offers the best hope for Badagry's future.
Thank you.
I remain a concerned Badagrian.
Dovoeke Daniel Semeton